We live knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ – nothing in life or death. Still, one of the hardest things we face in this life is the death of a loved one. The clergy, staff, and people of St. Peter the Fisherman Episcopal Church offer their caring support and expertise to individuals and families through those first difficult days. This care begins with the planning of the celebration/funeral of the life of your loved one.
Prior to or at the time of death, please notify the Rector of the church office (386 428-7383). They will meet with you to assist with funeral arrangements and to provide counsel and support.
The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised. The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy in the certainty that 'neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn (Book of Common Prayer, p. 507).
Funeral receptions are sometimes possible depending on size and time of year and may be held on the back deck of the church. Please contact the office administrator for more details.
Pre-planning your funeral service can give you peace of mind and ease the burden placed on your loved ones at the time of your passing. The entire service, including scripture readings and hymns, can be planned in advance. Our funeral pre-planning guide, St. Peter’s Funeral Arrangement Form, provides all the information you need to know about planning your service. Contact the church office for more information.
The Memorial Garden is a place of tranquility, peace, and natural beauty. It is a sacred space for the burial of St. Peter’s parishioners and their families. Highlighted by the Alpha fountain at the rear of the garden and the Omega bell at the entrance, the linking memorial wall embedded with natural coquina and shell holds the bronze memorial plaques of the deceased. Natural plantings and animal life make the gardens a wonderful place for respite for the living as well.
St. Peter's also has a Pet Memorial Garden in which the ash remains of your loving friend can be buried. If you would like more information about either garden, please contact the church office at (386) 428-7383 or contactus@stpetersnet.net.
Interested in learning more about Funerals held at St. Peter's? We're happy to help! Contact us to learn more.